Accident at Hillsborough sewerage authority resulted in death of worker: coroner

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – A Tampa Bay family is mourning after their loved one was killed in an incident at the Hillsborough County Wastewater Department.

The coroner’s first summary report confirmed that 49-year-old Paul Hardy had died in an industrial accident. His leg had been crushed, causing a blood clot that was fatal.

Hardy, who worked for the Hillsborough County Wastewater Department for 20 years, was a beloved colleague, coach and father.

“Paul loved his family, his mother and his children. He lived a life that fostered a character that his children would later recognize as decent. I was and still am very proud of my son and I miss him very much,” said Hardy’s mother Denise Allen.

“Paul was one of those people who was an absolute pillar of the community. A great father and a great provider,” said attorney Michael Winer.

Winer previously represented Hardy and is now representing the family in their work injury compensation claims.

“We are staying true to our line and helping them get all the benefits we can through the workers’ compensation system,” he said.

“We always believed there was a connection between his work-related accident and his death from a heart attack because of the nature of the trauma, but the county denied that,” Winer added.

“This is currently a pending workers’ compensation case and we are unable to answer any questions at this time,” the county previously told 8 On Your Side.

According to the first summary report, Hardy was pinned between a caddy and a trailer on February 7, crushing his leg, which required immediate surgery. He died on March 12, a month later.

“The medical examiner conducted an autopsy report. He linked his death to a pulmonary embolism that developed as a result of his severe injury, which required open reduction and internal fixation, a very complex procedure,” Winer said.

Winer said Hardy developed a blood clot that was fatal.

Winer said Hillsborough County would cover Hardy’s funeral costs and his children would receive weekly death benefits.